AH-WR-1381

ARM Felipe Xicotencatl (C-53)

Destroyer · Mexico · Lost 2000 · The Mexican Gulf Coast & Campeche

A former US and Mexican Navy destroyer deliberately scuttled off Cozumel in 2000 to create a popular artificial reef dive site.

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Historically Reconstructed. Drawn from partial documentation of this vessel together with her known class and configuration. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

This former destroyer was transferred to the Mexican Navy and served as ARM Felipe Xicotencatl before being deliberately sunk off Cozumel in November 2000. Prepared and cleaned beforehand, she now rests upright as one of the region's best-known artificial reef dive sites within Cozumel's marine park.

Vessel

Built: 1939
Registry: C-53
Builder: Not established
Yard: United States
Material: Steel
Length: 341 ft
Beam: Not established
Tonnage: Not established
Propulsion: Steam turbine
Owners: Mexican Navy (Armada de México)

Loss

Date: November 8, 2000
Cause: Intentional sinking
Location: Off Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Water: Caribbean Sea
Voyage: Not established
Cargo: Not established
Aboard: Not established
Lives lost: Not established
Master: Not established

The Wreck Today

Depth: 25-100
Condition: Intact, upright, popular dive site
Orientation: Upright
Discovered: Not established
Protection: Within Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park

Position

Coordinates: 20.50° N 86.98° W
Accuracy: Approximate position
Nearest: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Region: The Mexican Gulf Coast & Campeche

Evidence

Overall confidence: Partially documented (65/100)

Full original-build identity and prior service history require further verification.

Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
Scuttling date, location, dive site status.